Androgen ablation therapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists is reported to be associated with metabolic abnormalities. Annatto tocotrienol (AnTT) is reported to reduce the expression of genes related to adipogenesis but the mechanism remains elusive. This study sought to determine the effects of annatto tocotrienol on body composition (lean and fat mass), serum adiponectin, leptin, and glucose levels in male rats treated with buserelin, a testosterone ablation agent. Three-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) were randomly divided into four groups. The normal control (n=8) was given corn oil orally daily and normal saline subcutaneously daily. The remaining groups were injected with buserelin subcutaneously (75µg/kg/day). The buserelin group (n=8) was given corn oil orally, while the treatment groups were supplemented orally with AnTT at 60 or 100 mg/kg (n = 8/group). After treatment of 12 weeks, rats were euthanized. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed to determine the lean and fat mass of the rats. Blood was collected for the evaluation of adiponectin, leptin and glucose levels. After 12 weeks, the lean mass, fat mass, adiponectin and leptin levels for all groups increased significantly compared to their respective baseline levels irrespective of their treatment (P<0.05). All groups, except rats receiving AnTT at 60 mg/kg, experienced a significant increase in glucose level after 3 months (P<0.05). Androgen ablation and AnTT do not influence body composition, adiponectin and leptin levels in male rats. However, annatto tocotrienol at 60 mg/kg may improve glucose metabolism.

The present report deals with the behaviour of mast cells in mice in the course of Entamoeba histolytica infection by the strains. Mice weighing about l6 gm were used for three experimental groups; control, sham infection and experimental. The experimental group was infected with Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites directly into cecum by laparotomy. Strains isolated from three hepatic amoebic abscess cases were used. Mesenteric samples from the region of terminal ileum were fixed in methyl alcohol and stained with Pugh's solution. The ulcers in cecum were examined. Changes in number and structure of mesenteric mast cells and blood eosinophils were as follows. The number of mast cell in mesenteric tissues of the infected group increased from first day of the infection and persisted up to 34th day of the observation period. Degranulation and disruption of mast cells increased in the infected group compared with groups of the sham operation and the contro1, but showed no difference by the strains of Entamoeba histolytica. The blood eosinophilia was observed in the infected group and persisted until the observation period. Ulcers in cecum were found in all the infected groups. The results above indicate that mast cells are keenly related with the course of Entamoeba histolytica infection.
parasitology-protozoa- Entamoeba histolytica ; mast cell ; pathology ; mouse ; amoebiasis ; cecum

After abdominal surgery, it is well known that a significant decrease in ventilatory function, arterial oxygenation, and coughing ability occurs and this may lead to retainment of bronchial secretions and eventually atelectasie. The author selected 32 patients who received abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. A small dose of morphine was administered intrathecally before induction of general anesthesia, in an attempt to relive postoperative pain. The development of pain was observed until it was sufficient enough to require intramusclar or intravenous injections of analgesics. The results of this study were as follows: 1) A small dose of intrathecally injected morphine did not affect postoperative arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate of the patients. 2) Fifty percent of the patients required no analgesics for pain control within 24 hours of postoperative periods. Intrathecal dose of morphine from 0.1 to 0.3 mg had the similar effect for the postoperative pain control. 3) Central nevous system depression was not noted, but side effects such as nausa(44%) and pruritus(19%) were commonly observed.
Analgesics ; Anesthesia, General* ; Arterial Pressure ; Cough ; Depression ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Morphine* ; Oxygen ; Pain, Postoperative* ; Postoperative Period ; Respiratory Rate

INTRODUCTION: Cast immobilisation remains the mainstay of treatment for various fractures in paediatric patients, yet patients commonly complain of skin irritation and discomfort. This study aimed to perform a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the effects of cast immobilisation on the skin of children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged 6-17 years of age with a fracture treated in a fiberglass short-arm or short-leg cast were recruited. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, hair density and presence of any skin signs were assessed before and after cast. Patients were required to complete a weekly questionnaire to rate itch, malodour, warmth, and dampness of the skin under the cast. RESULTS: A total of 60 subjects completed the study. Thirty-six patients received a short-arm cast; 24 received a short-leg cast. Upon cast removal, TEWL was significantly increased on the volar surface of the arms and legs ( <0.05), and the dorsal surface of the arm ( <0.05). Likewise, SC hydration was significantly increased at most sites ( <0.05), except the volar surface of the leg ( = 0.513). There was no change in hair density. Throughout the duration of casting, there was an increase in itch and malodour scores. CONCLUSION Moderate but significant changes in TEWL, SC hydration and subjective symptoms were observed during the duration of cast immobilisation, demonstrating that cast immobilisation for up to 4 weeks exerts moderate adverse impact on patients' skin. Further studies to explore the use of better materials for cast immobilisation to improve skin barrier function and overall patient satisfaction are warranted.